> >>>
> 7.2. Binary Dependencies - `Depends', `Recommends', `Suggests',
> `Enhances', `Pre-Depends'
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> --------------
> [...]
> The meaning of the five dependency fields is as follows:
>
> `Depends'
> [...]
> The `Depends' field should be used if the depended-on
> package is required for the depending package to provide a
> significant amount of functionality.
> <<<
>
> with "significant amount of functionality" being the key phrase. So
> Depends: is a weak dependency, not an absolute one (whether this is
> good or nor is debatable...).
>
> However, it seems you are right: whenever _some_ ghc package needs
> util, it will implicitly depend on libreadline being installed, even
> if readline is never really linked to.
>
> So, what can be done?
>
> The hot-fix is to install libreadline4-dev.
>
> I _could_ make readline a hard dependency of ghc, but this is somehow
> not satisfactory. I'd rather like readline to be out-factored to its
> own package (I know, this would break other Haskell programs, but it's
> arguably easy-to-fix breakage...).
Personally, I would just add the dependency - I'm sure libreadline4-dev
is small, and the debian package system is good at installing
dependencies smoothly and transparently. It would be one less stumbling
block for users.
However, it does seem to be contrary to the Debian guidelines you
quoted. So, it's up to you.
Cheers,
Simon
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